Worrell found guilty of murder

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Fri, 06 Nov 2009 4:50p.m.

Worrell collapsed when his guilty verdict was read out by the jury

Worrell collapsed when his guilty verdict was read out by the jury

By Adam Ray

Tony Worrell collapsed in the dock today as a jury found him guilty of murdering newlywed Katie Powles and injuring another driver.

The verdict came only after the jury said it could not be unanimous, so majority decisions were reached by 11 of the 12 jurors.

Tony Worrell shook his head and sobbed after the jury found he was a murderer.

Worrell then collapsed as the judge discharged the jury; they deliberated for more than a day before telling the judge they could not reach a unanimous decision.

Ms Powles’ family have watched the two week trial with Brett Robinson, who is still recovering from the injuries Worrell inflicted in the crash.

Mr Robinson spoke for all of them saying they still cannot understand Worrell's actions.

“As victims of this senseless act of selfishness we are left asking why and realising that there is, and never will be, an answer that will provide comfort,” he said.
 

The family say the verdict was a relief, but it will not end their suffering

“We must also accept this verdict and any sentence applied will make no difference to the grief pain and sorrow each of us will carry for the rest of our lives,” says Mr Robinson.

Worrell's lawyer Matthew Goodwin says his client is sorry for the suffering he caused, but he also told 3 News his client claims to have no memory of the tragic night.

“He doesn't recall any events of that night, nothing at all, because of the brain injury that he suffered and the amnesia that was caused by that,” he said.

Mr Goodwin says prison staff will now be closely monitoring Worrell's mental state.

Worrell's lawyer says they will not make a decision on whether to appeal the verdict until he is sentenced on December 18.

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Comments

15 Feb 2010 08:18p.m.

kylie wrote:

we believe everyone should do time for there crime but there was many people at fault for this to happen the way it did. he should never of been allowed to leave his home with car keys in the state he was in. secondly the service station should of restrained him and called police. this man was at fault for a lot of things but if people had used there common sense this would not of happened. you dont give a drunk a set of keys and tell them to get out. who are the guilty ones

07 Nov 2009 08:44a.m.

Rusty wrote:

I think it is quite common to forget traumatic events in your life, it is the bodys way of protecting itself but it does not make the actions and consequences go away. At the end opf the day you are judged on what you did, not what you remember and some of the guilty actually get away with it under the current jury system.

06 Nov 2009 08:12p.m.

Jay wrote:

This is a no one wins case they cant bring their loved one back and his family lose a members has well no one wins

06 Nov 2009 08:11p.m.

Kathy wrote:

Perhaps...there are many emotions. He is going to need to be watched around the clock - he looks in very fragile health!!

06 Nov 2009 08:00p.m.

Rebecca wrote:

Annon.....perhaps hes crying because he feels sorry for himself

06 Nov 2009 07:31p.m.

annon wrote:

At least He has the honesty to cry for his sins, not like all of the children killers in NZ.